Learn how to become a wedding photographer with WPI’s course and online workshops. In 12 chapters you will learn all details about being a wedding photographer and starting your own business. WPI offers the course manual for free at www.weddingphotographyinc.com/free-manual.aspx. Get started on your new fun career today. Following is a description of chapter 4.

Chapter 4 Synopsis: Photographing Wedding Details:

Chances are you have heard the adage “the devils in the details,” and this is true for wedding photographers, as well. During Chapter 4 you will learn how to bring out all the small details, including the flowers, rings, attire, cakes, creating a professional appearance.

The details – while they are small, they are a large part of wedding photography and a factor that has to be mastered if you want to be able to sell service packages that are high-end. When you are good at documenting the details, you will have happy clients and work that is featured on web ads and magazines.

Cake, Flowers and Gifts:

The cake, or whatever may be used in place of the cake, is believed to bring good luck to guests, as well as the couple. Additionally, the topper on the cake reflects the personality of the couple.

It is a good idea to try and get some shots of the cake while the sun is still shining. However, the fact is that this is not always a possibility since receptions generally take place at night and in a number of cases, they will be delivered at the very last minute possible. This is why you should understand how to photograph with both artificial and natural light for taking photos of the cake.

Natural Indirect Light:

You may have to place the cake next to a window and use this as the source of light. Try to get the light on the front portion of the cake, in some cases a reflector will be needed. Use a shallow depth of field, but be sure that the background is not excessively distracting. Take a few full-cake shots, some close ups of the small details and close ups of the topper.

If good images are not able to be achieved with natural light, there are a number of other options to consider:

Use a tripod and hand held light; place it at various angles for dramatic effects.

Use slower shutter speeds and slow sync flash for a well-lit and warm image.

Bounce your flash from the ceiling.

If there is no extra shots, request that the videographer lights up the cake for a few shots.

It is a good idea to get your cake shots completed at the very beginning of the reception.

Flowers and Gifts:

You should photography gifts, favors and flowers with sources of indirect natural light. Have the bride holding the flowers and the dress in the background. Try to get a few bouquet shots with it lying on a textured service. You should photograph gifts using the same technique.

Jewelry and Accessories:

While the majority of jewelry is photographed best on the bride, you should still try to acquire a few artistic shots with the jewelry in its container or on lace. You need to access the rings prior to the actual ceremony. This will allow you to acquire more creative shots. Try using a 50mm prime lens or a telephoto zoom for more dramatic results.

Necklaces and earrings are more difficult to photograph and will turn out best when they stay on the bride. Shoes are more fun to photograph, but try to keep them off of the bride’s feet when taking the pictures.

Invitation and Programs:

Brides spend a large amount of time selecting their invitation and stationary for their wedding. It is crucial that you get photographs of these things. While there are some photographers who believe that taking photos of these things is a waste of time, the fact is that this will be a memory that your couple appreciates.

Attire:

This is the most well-planned portion of the wedding. The dress is the central piece of the entire event and the groom’s attire is selected in order to complement her dresses style and color. Taking photos of the attire is essential for full wedding photography coverage. You need to take shots while getting ready and after she is dressed. Also, get shots of the dress while it is still on the hanger.

Venue:

Shooting the venues is more extensively discussed in the next chapter, but you should use a tripod combined with slower shutter speeds in order to achieve warm colors. Low light can be extremely great looking. While it takes some practice to shoot in an area of low light, once you have mastered it, you will achieve amazing results. The trick to this is using a slow shutter speed, a tripod and high ISO.

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About Joana Hall21

Jaona Hall is a freelance writer and a professional wedding photographer trainer who specializes in course review and business training programs. She lives in Boston, MA with her cat and two children. Kay is an avid painter and sculptor with art on exhibit in New York and Los Angeles.